The ruling Awami League [AL] has categorically ruled out possibility of any dialogue with the BNP to hold a fresh mid-term election. Rather, the AL has urged the BNP Chief Khaleda Zia to stop delivering provocative statement for the sake of peace and stability.
BNP Chief Khaleda Zia’s comment on the joint forces’ drives at Satkhira operation, given at Suhrawardy Uddyan on Monday, has irritated the government. Most of the senior AL leaders have opined to take tough stance against BNP Chief if she does not withdraw her remark, insiders said.
“There is no possibility of holding talks with BNP before the end of government’s five-year tenure…. The election was held for five years and we have been elected for five years,” Health and Family Welfare Minister and AL presidium member Mohammad Nasim said after a meeting of 14-party alliance in the city yesterday.
Nasim also warned to take legal action against Khaleda Zia for delivering the ‘anti-state’ remark over Satkhira operation by the joint forces.
Already, LGRD Minister and AL General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam had asked Khaleda Zia to apologize to the people or to face legal action.
In this backdrop, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said: “BNP Chief Khaleda Zia and its other leaders will have to stop delivering provocative speeches if they want to hold any dialogue with the government. Her [Khaleda] statement at Suhrawardy Uddyan has spoiled the dialogue prospect.”
Quader, who is also AL presidium member after a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Li Jun, said: “The government has provided some space to BNP. Many BNP leaders may be released soon. But it needs a congenial atmosphere for holding a dialogue. On the one hand, you [Khaleda] want dialogue and on the other hand, you’re terming the government illegal It’s not fair.” AL Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif said: “The AL is not thinking about mid-term election. Some parties did not participate in the election as a part of their conspiracy. But several countries have already congratulated the new government… So, there is no need of mid-term polls.”
